The Most Reverend Jonathan Blake, Presiding Archbishop of the Open Episcopal Church B.A. (Hons), Dip. Pastoral Studies. Bishop's Haven, 105 Danson Crescent Welling DA16 2AS U.K. Mobile: 07767 687711 www.bishopjonathanblake.com bishopjonathanblake@ntlworld.com www.openepiscopalchurch.org www.twitter.com/bishopjonathan The Church is a member of The International Council of Community churches and the World Council of Churches. Married and a proud Dad.

Friday, August 07, 2009

DISGRACEFUL PRISONS

This country has 84,000 prisoners now with a projected increase of capacity to 96,000 by 2014.

My most recent visit to a prison last week confirmed my view that there is a dire malaise at the heart of the penal system in this country.

The inmates are denied their basic human rights, are subject to an unaccountable prison service, are victims of abuse, bullying and various forms of psychological torture. Their families and friends are abused and humiliated when in contact with the prison and when visits are made.

Politically correct posters and language, educational courses and questionnaires are all used to create a smoke screen behind which people are treated inhumanely.

No wonder that re-offending rates are so high, that suicides are frequent, that prisoner morale is low and that so little remedial work is achieved.

It is time that a thorough, transparent and independent review was carried out and this serious injustice within our national life was addressed.